God Is Not "Good"

Mark 10 records the story of the rich young ruler who did all the things required by the law: he didn’t commit adultery, lie, covet or steal, he honored his parents and he followed the rest of the law perfectly. Such wonderful qualities must have brought him great peace in his heart and satisfaction in knowing that he was doing what God had called him to do…?!.

But this man’s heart wasn’t settled. Somehow he knew that there was more, and He sought out “The Good Master” to find out how to get that ‘something’ he was missing. He approached Jesus and let Him know he’d done everything required of him under the law and done it perfectly – just a little information to help Jesus give him a quick answer for his problem.

This man had a special measuring stick by which he measured himself and Jesus. He considered himself “good” because he kept the law and was an upright and civil man, and Jesus was the “Good Master” because He also followed the law and acted righteously. But Jesus corrected him very quickly on his perception of “good.” God is good because of His great love for us and His desire to be merciful and benefit us – not because He strives to be the perfect example of the fulfillment of the law as a testimony of His righteousness. This man had understood the letter of the law but not the heart of it: God desires mercy, not sacrifice as a means of appearing righteous.

So to drive the point home to the rich, young ruler, Jesus told him the “one thing” he needed to do was sell all he owned and give to those in need - to do good by sacrificially and mercifully benefiting others. Mark 10:21 records that Jesus looked compassionately on this man and had great love for him. The “one thing” He was asking the man to do would be the most difficult act of his life, but it would break the religious mindset off of him and reset his heart on God and true goodness.

“One thing” was needed to open up the Kingdom of God for this young man. One thing tipped the scales from the grips of works to the heart of God. Mary chose the “one thing” in Luke 10 and we must also choose the “one thing”: seeking and knowing the heart of God in life over striving in works which bring the appearance of righteousness.

Is there anything in your life that needs to be left behind? Is there anything that brings the appearance of “good” but leaves you feeling empty?

God’s great love and compassion are prompting you to choose the “one thing” today!